Kumpir - Turkish Loaded Baked Potatoes

5 from 4 votes

Kumpir is Turkey's loaded baked potato, mashed with butter and cheese, then piled with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time5

Cook Time55

Total Time1

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: Turkish

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: people

Calories: 1040kcal

Wash your potatoes thoroughly, pierce each one a few times with a fork, and wrap each in aluminum foil.
Preheat your oven to 200° C (392° F) and put the potatoes on a rack in the middle.
Bake the potatoes for about an hour and then remove them from the foil. Cook for another fifteen minutes, or until they are cooked thoroughly. Check by poking with a skewer or a small knife, or with a food thermometer, the potato is ready at around 210°F (99°C) inside.
Take the potatoes out of the oven, and cut them lengthwise, but not completely through.
Add a tablespoon of butter, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some of the shredded cheese, and mix it thoroughly using a fork to fluff the inner flesh of the potato without tearing the skin.
Place your Kumpir on a serving plate and add your favourite toppings.
Serve immediately as Kumpir tastes best when made freshly.

You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting meat fillings, or vegan by swapping the butter and cheese for plant-based versions.
Kumpir is traditionally made using large, oval potatoes with rough, thick skin. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they finish baking at the same time.
Check doneness with a skewer or a food thermometer, the potato is ready at around 210°F (99°C) inside.
Mix in the butter and cheese while the potato is still as hot as you can handle, this is what makes the filling creamy. Use a towel or tongs to protect your hands.
Drain wet toppings like corn and pickles well before adding them, so the potato doesn't turn soggy.
Kumpir is best right out of the oven. Serve it immediately for the best texture.
The topping amounts in the recipe card are just a guide, adjust them to your taste.
Store the potato and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the potato in the oven or microwave until hot, then add the cold toppings fresh. It doesn't freeze well, so this one's fridge-only.